More than 100 NZ police are in Samoa to support CHOGM, the largest police contingent New Zealand has ever deployed overseas.

Of the 114 people who arrived in Samoa on the 17 October, about half are of Samoan heritage.

Among the contingent are specialist search teams, dog handlers, intelligence analysts, operational support staff and frontline constabulary staff working in teams of constables, Sergeants, Senior Sergeants and Inspectors.

“The police contingent is part of a wider New Zealand presence here designed to support Samoa in ensuring CHOGM is a success. It’s very much a partnership, with Samoa in the driving seat,” says New Zealand High Commissioner to Samoa Si’alei Van Toor.

“We’ve been working hard for months to prepare for CHOGM and ensure we’re supporting Samoa to run this major event.”

“It’s good to see all the activity on the ground this week, the way police, defence and medical personnel are collaborating to make sure everything run smoothly.”

Approximately 460 New Zealand personnel are deployed in Samoa. Alongside police, there is a wide range of NZ personnel on the ground ranging from health and emergency to other security services, as well as five ambulances, one naval vessel, and three NZDF helicopters.  

Tasks for NZ police here on the ground vary day to day and go from working security at venues where big gatherings are taking place and accommodation where senior leaders are staying, to motorcade support and personal protection detail.

Contingent Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett said all 114 New Zealand Police deployed to support Samoa Police’s security of CHOGM 2024, were selected from an application pool of over 700 staff.

“Many of our staff are sons and daughters of Samoa returning home, to proudly support Samoa, represent New Zealand and their aiga. Their sense of tautua strongly reflects their Samoan heritage and culture.

“It has been wonderful experience for our staff who have been able to be Samoan, and to speak Samoan, as they represent New Zealand Police. I am very proud to see our Samoan staff thrive, and our non-Samoan staff engage, in the Samoan culture.

“We are incredibly grateful to Samoa Police for this opportunity to support CHOGM 2024, and to help showcase them and their beautiful country, to the world.”

Sergeant Leanne Meikle is one of the NZ police officers deployed to Samoa and is part Samoan. Her mother is from Taufusi. While she visits regularly to see relatives and friends, this is her first work trip to Samoa.

“I’ve been with NZ police for 20 years and this is my first deployment,” she says.

“It’s an awesome feeling to be here. I’m proud to show my non-Samoan colleagues my home.”

“We’re also building relationships here, and that’s really what it’s all about.”

Constable Roger Taufao Fuaaletoelau grew up in Auckland, and his parents are Samoan. His father is from Siumu and his mother is from Saleapaga.

“I grew up speaking English at school and Samoan at home,” he says.

This is his fourth trip to Samoa.

“It’s brilliant to be here representing NZ police and at the same time being able to support Samoa police.”